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Shariq Tucker crowned Drum-Off Champion! Starting in August, over 5,000 drummers from across the country signed up to compete in Guitar Center’s 26th Annual Drum-Off. Five finalists were chosen out of the thousands of hopefuls to battle it out for the title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion and a prize package valued at nearly $45,000… Read more »

Shariq Tucker crowned Drum-Off Champion! Starting in August, over 5,000 drummers from across the country signed up to compete in Guitar Center’s 26th Annual Drum-Off. Five finalists were chosen out of the thousands of hopefuls to battle it out for the title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion and a prize package valued at nearly $45,000 at the finals on Saturday, January 17th. The winner, Shariq Tucker, joins an esteemed group of talented drummers who have gone on to play for the likes of Prince, Beyonce, Jay Z and more. Shariq began playing drums at the early age of 3 growing up in Bronx, NY. Inspired both by musical family members like his father and brother as well as legends such as Dennis Chambers, Gerald Heyward and Tony Royster Jr., Shariq was drawn to the way drumming allowed to create new and exciting sounds. He soon developed a raw style all his own and began giving lessons to other aspiring drummers. In the future, Shariq hopes to take his act on tour and host clinics nationwide.

“While all of the finalists brought something unique to the table, Shariq had a great confidence and meter in his playing. He’s ready to leave the Drum-Off stage and step right onto Center Staging. He learned from last year and came back more polished and determined. I can’t wait to watch his career take off.”- Trevor Lawrence Jr. (Herbie Hancock, Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, Enimem)

“My experience throughout the course of this competition has been amazing. It has allowed me to meet new people, hone my skills and hear different styles of playing. When I heard my name called as the winner, tears of joy ran down my face. I was determined to take home the title this year – it’s been one of my major goals. Winning this competition means the world to me.”- Shariq Tucker

How it Works

SIGN-UPS START AUGUST 1

There are 243 Guitar Center stores hosting competitions this year. View participating stores. Sign-ups for Drum-Off start August 1st and run until each of the 30 contestant spots per store are filled. There are 10 spots per preliminary round, with 3 preliminary rounds total. You must be 16 years or older and a lawful, permanent resident of any of the 48 contiguous United States to compete in this year’s competition.

You can go to any Guitar Center location to sign up for one of the three preliminary competitions at participating competition stores. There will be no phone or Internet sign-ups available. You can only compete in one preliminary competition.

Each contestant will perform on a five-piece drum kit complete with hardware, cymbals, cowbell, a tambourine and a blast block. The only personal pieces of gear you may use are drumsticks, bass pedal, drum throne and snare drum. Leave your toms and cymbals at home. You are allowed to reconfigure your kit but you cannot add anything to the set-up.

You will have the option of incorporating the Roland BT-1trigger and SPD-30 octapad into your performance. You may bring a USB flash drive with only mapped-out patches saved to it–no back ground or phase loops. Phrase loop recording and background loops are not allowed. If you attempt to use anything other than patch mode, you will be disqualified.

A random drawing determining the order in which contestants compete will be held 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition. If you are not present at the random drawing, you will be disqualified. Do not be late. Confirm all details with your local Guitar Center representative.

Each contestant will have five minutes to set up and three minutes to perform. If you advance to the semifinals and grand finals competition, you’ll have five minutes to perform.

When

COMPETITION DATES:

STORE PRELIMS

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

STORE FINALS:Tuesday, September 30, 2014

QUARTERFINALS:Tuesday, October 21, 2014

SEMIFINALS:Tuesday, November 11, 2014

GRAND FINAL:Saturday, January 17, 2015

FAQ

General

Guitar Center Drum-Off is our annual search for the top undiscovered drummer. Now in its 26th year, the Drum-Off competition was developed to inspire and support drummers in the pursuit of their musical aspirations. Drum-Off is committed to rewarding and recognizing talent by providing a launching pad for a professional career as a drummer.

In order to compete, you must sign up at a Guitar Center store. You cannot sign up online or over the phone. Tell a sales associate that you’d like to compete in Drum-Off. You will have the option of signing up for one of three store preliminary competitions.

Sign-ups start August 1st and run until the ten contestant spots and two alternate spots for each of the three prelims are filled at each store. Even if the first prelim has already occurred, check with your store to see if they have openings for the second or third preliminary competition. Openings fill up quickly, so don’t wait.

Eligibility

You must be 16 years of age or older to compete and must be a legal resident of any of the 48 contiguous United States or the District of Columbia.

This contest is for qualified amateurs. A “qualified amateur” is defined as one who does not earn more than $20,000 adjusted gross income per year as a professional musician, based on the previous tax year. If you make it to the semifinals, you will be required to submit your W2 tax form as proof of your eligibility.

Former employees of Guitar Center can compete as long as their last day of employment was prior to January 1, 2013.

By competing in Guitar Center’s Drum-Off and signing the official rules, you are stating that you meet all of our eligibly requirements. If at any time it is determined that you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, you will be disqualified.

Competition

Store preliminaries and store finals take place in 243 Guitar Center stores. View participating stores. The competition is broken down into 3 preliminary competitions and 1 store final per store; 30 quarterfinals; 5 semifinals and 1 grand final. All stages of the competition take place at a Guitar Center store with the exception of the grand final, which takes place in Los Angeles at the Club Nokia on January 17, 2015.

You will sign up to compete in one of the three preliminary competitions. There are ten slots in each prelim per store. You can only compete in one preliminary competition. Do not try to compete in a prelim at a different store if you don’t advance. If you do this, you will be disqualified.

The top two contestants from each of the three store preliminaries (those with the highest and second highest scores) will advance to the store final, for a total of six competitors at each of the store finals. There will be only one winner at the store final. This store winner will advance to compete in one of 30 quarterfinals. From there, the 30 quarterfinal winners will compete in one of five semifinal competitions. The five semifinal winners will compete at the grand final.

Check with the store where you signed up to confirm what time the competition starts. Each competitor must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition. We highly suggest arriving early to ensure you aren’t late. If you are not present at the random drawing that’s done to determine the order in which you compete, you will be disqualified. We don’t want to have to disqualify someone for being late but we need to be fair to everyone who arrives on time.

The store will have a five-piece drum kit complete with cymbals, hardware, cowbell, tambourine, blast block, a drum throne, a Roland SPD-30, and a BT-1 trigger pad set up for your performance. The brand and model of the drum set, hardware, throne and cymbals will vary by region. See stores for details.

Incorporation of the BT-1 Trigger and Roland SPD-30 into your performance is optional. You are not required to use them in your performance. You are only allowed to use the Roland SPD-30 in patch mode, to be played as an instrument. Phrase loop recording and background loops are not allowed. If you attempt to use it in anything other than patch mode, you will be disqualified.

In your five minute set-up time, you will be allowed to remove or reconfigure any of the above. However, you will not be allowed to add anything to the competition kit set-up other than the personal pieces of gear listed below.

You are allowed to use your own snare drum, drum sticks, bass pedal and drum throne. If you plan to use the Roland SPD-30, you are permitted to bring a USB flash drive with only mapped-out patches saved to it–no background or phase loops. These are the only personal pieces of gear you may use during your performance. Do not attempt to bring anything other than what is listed above.

Official Rules

Guitar center's Drum-off 2014

1. How to Enter: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. To compete in Guitar Center’s Drum Off® 2014 contest (the “Contest”), sign up at any participating Guitar Center following the procedure described in Paragraph 3(i). You may participate in only ONE Preliminary In Store Competition. You must be sixteen (16) years of age or older to compete.

2. Judging Criteria: All contestants will be judged by a panel of independent judges who have significant experience in performing drum percussion, teaching drum percussion, drumming/percussion skills and/or substantial knowledge of and/or experience in the music industry. Judging will be based on the judges’ personal interpretation of the following criteria: (1) overall performance; (2) originality; (3) technique; (4) stage presence; and (5) groove. For each round of the Contest, each judge will assign each contestant a score between 1 and 10 in each category and a total score of between 5 and 50. Each judges’ total score for each contestant will be the raw scores (the “Raw Scores”). For every round of the Contest except for the National Competition, the Raw Scores for each judge will be weighted, whereby the contestant with the highest Raw Score (for each judge) is given a score of 10, the second highest Raw Score is given an 8, the third highest is given a 6, the fourth highest is given a 4 and all remaining contestants are given a 2 (the “Weighted Scores”). The Weighted Scores for each contestant will be added, resulting in the total final scores (the “Final Scores”); and for the National Competition, the Raw Scores for each contestant will be added, resulting in the total final scores (each respectively, the “Final Scores”). The Final Scores will be used to determine the winners for that particular round. By participating in the Contest, all contestants agree that the decision of the judges is binding and final.

3. The Process: This Contest will take place in four phases: (i) three Preliminary Competitions and one Final In-Store Competition, to be held at 245 participating Guitar Center locations (see guitarcenter.com/drumoff for list of participating locations); (ii) thirty Quarter Finals Competitions; (iii) five Semi-Finals Competitions; and (iv) the National Competition. (i) Preliminary And Final In-Store Competitions: The Preliminary Competitions will take place at all participating Guitar Center stores. See www.guitarcenter.com/drumoff for a list of participating store locations and for the dates and locations of the phases of the Contest. Contestants must register (“Registration”) at any participating Guitar Center by the date of the Preliminary In-Store Competition in which they wish to compete and must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Paragraph 4 below. Each store will designate the first twelve (12) individuals to Register at that store as the ten (10) contestants and two (2) alternates to compete in each Preliminary In-Store Competition on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date and time of each Registration. Registration will begin on August 1, 2014. Preliminary In-Store Competitions will be held on September 9, 2014, September 16, 2014, and September 23, 2014. The contestant with the highest score (as described below) from each Preliminary In-Store Competition (the “Preliminary Store Winner”), and the contestant with the second-highest score from each Preliminary In-Store Competition (the “Preliminary Store Runner Up”) will advance to the Final In-Store Competition, which will be held on September 30, 2014. If either the Preliminary Store Winner or the Preliminary Store Runner Up declines to compete in the Final In-Store Competition, then the contestant who received the next-highest Final Score will be invited to compete in the Final In-Store Competition. If necessary, that procedure will be repeated until two contestants from each Preliminary In-Store Competition have agreed to compete in the Final In-Store Competition. The order in which contestants perform at each Preliminary and Final In-Store Competition will be determined by a random drawing held thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the competition (The “Random Drawing”). ALL CONTESTANTS MUST ARRIVE TO THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND BE PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING TO BE ELIGIBLE. ALL CONTESTANTS AGREE THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ONSITE GUITAR CENTER ACTING MANAGER AND SHALL BE BINDING. ANY CONTESTANT WHO IS NOT AT THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN THAT COMPETITION. Each contestant will have three (3) minutes to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Contestants will compete on a 5-piece drum set complete with cymbals, hardware, cowbell, tambourine, a pair of wood blocks, a drum throne, a Roland SPD-30, and a Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad. Use of the Roland SPD-30 and BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad are optional and not required for the contestants performances. Contestants are only allowed to use the Roland SPD-30 in patch mode, to be played as an instrument. Phrase loop recording and background loops are not allowed. If the contestant uses the Roland SPD-30 in anything other than patch mode they will be disqualified. Contestants may plug a USB flash drive into the SPD-30 with only mapped out patches saved to it; no background or phase loops. The Roland SPD-30 and Roland BT-1 Triggers will be available at the store, prior to the competition, for contestants to map out their patches and store them on contestant’s USB flash drive if desired. Contestant may replace any of the following items with their own personal equipment (SNARE DRUM, BASS PEDALS AND/OR DRUM THRONE only). The brand and model of the drum set, hardware, throne and cymbals will vary by region. Each contestant will be judged according to the criteria described in Paragraph 2. THE CONTESTANT WITH THE HIGHEST FINAL SCORE AT THE FINAL IN STORE COMPETITION WILL BE THE STORE WINNER, PROVIDED THAT THAT CONTESTANT MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 4 AND SATISFIES THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 7. A tie for the highest Final Score will result in an additional round of competition (“Tie Breaker”), in which all tied contestants will have two (2) additional minutes to perform. The Tie Breaker will be judged according to the criteria described in Paragraph 2. THE CONTESTANT WITH THE HIGHEST FINAL SCORE IN ANY TIE BREAKER WILL BE THE STORE WINNER, PROVIDED THAT THAT CONTESTANT MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 4 AND SATISFIES THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 7.

(ii) Qualifying For The Quarter Finals Competitions: There will be thirty (30) Quarter Finals competitions. Each Store Winner will be invited to compete in the Quarter Finals Competition for the District in which the Final In Store Competition in which he/she participated took place. Store Winners who qualify to compete in the Quarter Finals Competition will be notified in accordance with Paragraph 3(viii). If a Store Winner declines the invitation to compete in the Quarter Finals Competition, then the contestant who received the next-highest Final Score in that Final In-Store Competition (“Store Runner-Up”) will be invited to compete in the Quarter Finals Competition and will be notified in accordance with Paragraph 3(viii). If Guitar Center so elects, in its sole discretion, that procedure will be repeated until a contestant from each Final In Store Competition has accepted the invitation to compete.

(iii) Quarter Finals Competitions: The order in which contestants perform at each Quarter Finals Competition will be determined by a random drawing held thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the competition (The “Random Drawing”). ALL CONTESTANTS MUST ARRIVE TO THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND BE PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING TO BE ELIGIBLE. ALL CONTESTANTS AGREE THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ONSITE GUITAR CENTER ACTING MANAGER AND SHALL BE BINDING. ANY CONTESTANT WHO IS NOT AT THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN THAT COMPETITION. Each contestant will have three (3) minutes to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Each contestant will have three (3) minutes to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Contestants will compete on a 5-piece drum set complete with cymbals, hardware, cowbell, tambourine, a pair of wood blocks, a drum throne, a Roland SPD-30, and a Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad. Use of the Roland SPD-30 and BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad are optional and not required for the contestants performances. Contestants are only allowed to use the Roland SPD-30 in patch mode, to be played as an instrument. Phrase loop recording and background loops are not allowed. If the contestant uses the Roland SPD-30 in anything other than patch mode they will be disqualified. Contestants may plug a USB flash drive into the SPD-30 with only mapped out patches saved to it; no background or phase loops. The Roland SPD-30 and Roland BT-1 Triggers will be available at the store, prior to the competition, for contestants to map out their patches and store them on contestant’s USB flash drive if desired. Contestant may replace any of the following items with their own personal equipment (SNARE DRUM, BASS PEDALS AND/OR DRUM THRONE only). The brand and model of the drum set, hardware, throne and cymbals will vary by region. Each contestant will be judged according to the criteria described in Paragraph 2. THE CONTESTANT WITH THE HIGHEST FINAL SCORE WILL BE THE QUARTER FINALS WINNER FOR THAT QUARTER FINALS COMPETITION, PROVIDED THAT THAT CONTESTANT MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 4 AND SATISFIES THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 7. A tie for the highest Final Score will result in an additional round of competition (“Tie Breaker”), in which all competitors receiving that Final Score will have two (2) additional minutes to demonstrate their skills. The Tie Breaker will be judged according to the criteria described in Paragraph 2. The contestant with the highest Final Score in any Tie Breaker will be the Quarter Finals Winner for that Quarter Finals Competition.

(iv) Qualifying For The Semi-Finals Competitions: All Quarter-Finals Winners will be invited to compete in the Semi-Finals Competition that corresponds to that Quarter Finals Competition. There will be (5) five Semi-Finals Competitions. If any Quarter Finals Winner declines the invitation or otherwise does not appear at the Semi-Finals Competition, then that Quarter Finals Winner will be disqualified and will not be eligible to compete in the Semi-Finals Competition or to win any additional prizes. Quarter Finals Winners who qualify for a Semi-Finals Competition will be notified in accordance with Paragraph 3(viii). If a Quarter Finals Winner declines the invitation to compete in the Semi-Finals Competition, then the Store Winner for that Region who received the next-highest Final Score in that Quarter Finals Competition (“District Runner Up”) will be invited to compete in the Semi-Finals Competition and will be notified in accordance with Paragraph 3(viii). If Guitar Center so elects, in its sole discretion, that procedure will be repeated until a contestant from each Quarter Finals Competition has accepted the invitation to compete.

(v) Semi-Finals Competitions: The order in which contestants perform at each Semi-Finals Competition will be determined by a random drawing held thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the competition (The “Random Drawing”). ALL CONTESTANTS MUST ARRIVE TO THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND BE PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING TO BE ELIGIBLE. ALL CONTESTANTS AGREE THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ONSITE GUITAR CENTER ACTING MANAGER AND SHALL BE BINDING. ANY CONTESTANT WHO IS NOT AT THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN THAT COMPETITION. Each contestant will have three (3) minutes to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Each contestant will have five (5) MINUTES to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Contestants will compete on a 5-piece drum set complete with cymbals, hardware, cowbell, tambourine, a pair of wood blocks, a drum throne, a Roland SPD-30, and a Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad. Use of the Roland SPD-30 and BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad are optional and not required for the contestants performances. Contestants are only allowed to use the Roland SPD-30 in patch mode, to be played as an instrument. Phrase loop recording and background loops are not allowed. If the contestant uses the Roland SPD-30 in anything other than patch mode they will be disqualified. Contestants may plug a USB flash drive into the SPD-30 with only mapped out patches saved to it; no background or phase loops. The Roland SPD-30 and Roland BT-1 Triggers will be available at the store, prior to the competition, for contestants to map out their patches and store them on contestant’s USB flash drive if desired. Contestant may replace any of the following items with their own personal equipment (SNARE DRUM, BASS PEDALS AND/OR DRUM THRONE only). The brand and model of the drum set, hardware, throne and cymbals will vary by region. Each contestant will be judged according to the criteria described in Paragraph 2. THE CONTESTANT WITH THE HIGHEST FINAL SCORE WILL BE THE REGIONAL WINNER FOR THAT SEMI_FINALS COMPETITION, PROVIDED THAT THE CONTESTANT MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 4 AND SATISFIES THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 7. A tie for the highest Final Score and/or Runner Up Score will result in an additional round of competition (“Tie Breaker”), in which all contestants receiving such Final or Runner up Score will have two (2) additional minutes to perform. The Tie Breaker will be judged as described in Paragraph 2. The contestant with the highest Final Score in any Tie Breaker will be the Semi-Finals Winner for that Semi-Finals Competition and the contestant with the highest runner up score will be the Runner Up for that Semi-Finals Competition.

(vi) Qualifying For The National Competition: All Semi-Finals Winners will be invited to compete in the National Competition. There will be one (1) National Competition. If any Semi-Finals Winner declines the invitation or otherwise does not appear at the National Competition, then that Semi-Finals Winner will be disqualified and will not be eligible to compete in the National Competition or to win any additional prizes. Semi-Finals Winners who qualify for a National Competition will be notified in accordance with Paragraph 3(viii). If a Semi-Finals Winner declines the invitation to compete in the National Competition, then the Quarter Finals Winner for that Region who received the next-highest Final Score in that Semi-Finals Competition (“Quarter Finals Runner Up”) will be invited to compete in the National Competition and will be notified in accordance with Paragraph 3(viii). If Guitar Center so elects, in its sole discretion, that procedure will be repeated until a contestant from each Semi-Finals Competition has accepted the invitation to compete.

(vii) National Competition: The order in which contestants perform at each National Competition will be determined by a random drawing held thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the competition (The “Random Drawing”). ALL CONTESTANTS MUST ARRIVE TO THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND BE PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING TO BE ELIGIBLE. ALL CONTESTANTS AGREE THAT THE OFFICIAL TIME SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ONSITE GUITAR CENTER ACTING MANAGER AND SHALL BE BINDING. ANY CONTESTANT WHO IS NOT AT THE CORRECT GUITAR CENTER LOCATION AND PRESENT FOR THE RANDOM DRAWING WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN THAT COMPETITION. Each contestant will have three (3) minutes to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Each contestant will have five (5) minutes to perform. SNARE DRUM, DRUM STICKS, BASS PEDAL and DRUM THRONE are the only personal pieces of gear contestants may use during their performance. Contestants will compete on a 5-piece drum set complete with cymbals, hardware, cowbell, tambourine, a pair of wood blocks, a drum throne, a Roland SPD-30, and a Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad. Use of the Roland SPD-30 and BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad are optional and not required for the contestants performances. Contestants are only allowed to use the Roland SPD-30 in patch mode, to be played as an instrument. Phrase loop recording and background loops are not allowed. If the contestant uses the Roland SPD-30 in anything other than patch mode they will be disqualified. Contestants may plug a USB flash drive into the SPD-30 with only mapped out patches saved to it; no background or phase loops. The Roland SPD-30 and Roland BT-1 Triggers will be available at the store, prior to the competition, for contestants to map out their patches and store them on contestant’s USB flash drive if desired. Contestant may replace any of the following items with their own personal equipment (SNARE DRUM, BASS PEDALS AND/OR DRUM THRONE only). The brand and model of the drum set, hardware, throne and cymbals will vary by region. Each contestant will be judged according to the criteria described in Paragraph 2. THE CONTESTANT WITH THE HIGHEST FINAL SCORE IN THE NATIONAL COMPETITION WILL BE THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THIS CONTEST, PROVIDED THAT THE CONTESTANT MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 4 AND SATISFIES THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 7. A tie for the highest Final Score will result in additional deliberation by the judges (“Tie Breaker”), where the performances by all contestants receiving such highest Final Score will be considered side by side, and the judges will decide on the ranking of such contestants’ performances. The Tie Breaker will be judged in accordance with the criteria in Paragraph 2 and will be based on such contestant’s performances in the National Competition only. In the event of a Tie Breaker, the contestant then ranked the highest in any Tie Breaker deliberation will be the Grand Prize Winner of this Contest.

(viii) Notification: Notification to all winners at each level shall be in person at the conclusion of each competition. Notification to any Runners Up shall consist of a telephone call to the telephone number listed on the Runner Up’s Registration Form. By entering this contest, you agree that the notification methods stated herein are sufficient to give you notice in the event that you are a winner at any level. IF ANY WINNER FAILS TO RESPOND BY AGREEING IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT LEVEL OF COMPETITION WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OR DOES NOT APPEAR AT THE NEXT LEVEL OF COMPETITION, THEN THAT WINNER FORFEITS HIS OR HER RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE FURTHER IN THIS CONTEST. Any Runners-Up will be notified within two (2) business days of the day that any winner fails to respond or declines the invitation to compete in the next level of competition.

4. Eligibility: To enter this Contest you must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and a lawful permanent resident of any of the forty-eight (48) contiguous United States or the District of Columbia and must physically reside therein at the time of entry. The Contest is void in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and possessions and where restricted or prohibited by law. The Contest and any web site pages and advertisements relating thereto are intended for viewing only within the United States. EMPLOYEES OF GUITAR CENTER STORES, INC.*, DW, PEARL, TAMA, GRETSCH, ROLAND, ORANGE COUNTY DRUMS & PERCUSSION, LATIN PERCUSSION, EVANS, REMO, PRO-MARK, VIC FIRTH, SABIAN, ZILDJIAN, MEINL, MODERN DRUMMER, CONVERSE, DRUM CHANNEL, and GOPRO each of their affiliated companies, parents, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, and advertising and promotion agencies (the “Contest Entities”), and their immediate families and members of their households, are not eligible to participate in this Contest. *For purposes of clarity any person employed at any time from January 1, 2013 through the conclusion of the Contest will be considered an “Employee”. Grand Prizewinners of any previous Guitar Center Drum-Offs are not eligible to participate in this Contest; however, previous finalists and contestants may participate in this Contest. You must be a qualified amateur to participate in the Contest. A “Qualified Amateur” is defined as one who does not (1) earn more than $20,000 adjusted gross per year as a professional musician, based on the prior tax year (supporting documentation may be requested to verify), or (2) is not a party to any endorsement contract that, in the Sponsor’s sole determination, conflicts with or competes with one of the Contest Entities or Prize Givers. For purposes of clarity, the term “professional musician” does not include teaching music or giving music lessons, and incomes derived there from will not be counted in determination of a Contestant’s Qualified Amateur status. Prior to participation in the any round of the Contest, all Contestants agree to provide a list of all endorsement agreements, both formal and informal, at Sponsor’s request. If, in Sponsor’s sole reasonable determination, any such endorsement conflicts with or competes with a Contest Entity or Prize Giver (“Conflicting Endorsement”), Contestants with Conflicting Endorsements shall be disqualified. All contestants must complete and sign a Registration Form, a Contestant Profile, and an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release and Publicity Release (“Affidavit/Release”) in order to enter this Contest, to compete in any round of the Contest, and to qualify for any prize.

5. Travel: In Store Competitions: Contestants are responsible for their own travel to any In Store Competition. Qualifying Quarter Finals Competitions: Qualifying Store Winners invited to compete in any Quarter Finals Competition are responsible for their own travel to that Quarter Finals Competition, unless the distance from the location where the qualifying Store Winner resides is more than 300 miles from the corresponding Quarter Finals Competition. In such a case, Guitar Center shall provide: (i) round trip coach airfare for the qualifying Store Winner from the major commercial airport nearest qualifying Store Winner’s home to the major commercial airport nearest to the corresponding Quarter Finals Competition (“Quarter Finals Airfare”); and (ii) hotel accommodations for one night (double occupancy) at a hotel in the city where the corresponding Quarter Finals Competition takes place. Sponsor also shall provide District Airfare for the parent or legal guardian (“the Guardian”) of any qualifying Store Winner who is a minor. All other expenses associated with travel not otherwise identified herein including, but not limited to, food, travel insurance, taxes, gratuities and ground/airport transport are the sole responsibility of the qualifying Store Winner and any Guardian. Airline and accommodations shall be determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. Semi-Finals Competitions: Qualifying Quarter Finals Winners invited to compete in any Semi-Finals Competition are responsible for their own travel to that Semi-Finals Competition, unless the distance from the location where the qualifying Quarter Finals Winner resides is more than 300 miles from the corresponding Semi-Finals Competition. In such a case, Guitar Center shall provide: (i) round trip coach airfare for the qualifying Quarter Finals Winner from the major commercial airport nearest qualifying Quarter Finals Winner’s home to the major commercial airport nearest to the corresponding Semi-Finals Competition (“Semi-Finals Airfare”); and (ii) hotel accommodations for one night (double occupancy) at a hotel in the city where the corresponding Semi-Finals Competition takes place. Sponsor also shall provide Semi-Finals Airfare for the parent or legal guardian (“the Guardian”) of any qualifying Quarter Finals Winner who is a minor. All other expenses associated with travel not otherwise identified herein, including, but not limited to, food, travel insurance, taxes, gratuities and ground/airport transport are the sole responsibility of the Semi-Finals Prize Winner and any Guardian. Airline and accommodations shall be determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion.

National Competition: Semi-Finals Winners invited to compete in the National Competition are responsible for their own travel to the National Competition, unless the distance from the location where the Semi-Finals winner won the Semi-Finals Competition is more than 300 miles from the National Competition. In that case, Guitar Center shall provide: (i) round trip coach airfare for that Semi-Finals Winner from the major commercial airport nearest that Semi-Finals Winner’s home to the major commercial airport nearest to the National Competition (“National Airfare”) and (ii) hotel accommodations for one night (double occupancy) at a hotel in the city where the National Competition takes place. In such a case, Sponsor also shall provide National Airfare for the Guardian of any Semi-Finals Winner who is a minor. All expenses associated with travel not otherwise identified herein, including, but not limited to, food, travel insurance, taxes, gratuities and ground/airport transport are the sole responsibility of the Semi-Finals Winner and any Guardian. Airline and accommodations shall be determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion.

7. Terms And Conditions: If any Store Winner, Quarter Finals Winner, Semi-Finals Winner, or the National Grand Prize Winner (each of which is merely a “Potential Prize Winner” until all terms and conditions for receiving the prizes set forth in these Official Rules have been satisfied) does not comply with the Official Rules, is ineligible, fails to sign all required documents and/or fails to return all such documents by the date and/or time required, then the Potential Winner will be disqualified from further participation in the Contest and from winning any prize and the contestant with the next highest score in the last phase of this Contest that the disqualified Potential Winner won shall take his or her place with respect to both participation and any additional prizes. Each Potential Prize Winner must provide his or her Social Security Number in order to receive any prize. All Prizes are subject to availability. No cash redemption or prize substitution allowed, except by Sponsor, who reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute cash value or another prize it believes is of equal or greater value. Prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Winners may not divide any of the individual prizes, especially the prizes that together comprise the Grand Prize as the Grand Prize is a single and indivisible package. Any attempt to transfer, sell, fail to cooperate with, renounce, repudiate and/or refuse any part of the Grand Prize shall immediately disqualify the Winner from the Contest and such Winner will forfeit the entire Grand Prize. In such event, Sponsor may select a Winner in the order of ranking by the judges as set forth herein. All Prizes claimed will be awarded. Except in TN and where prohibited by law, entry in this Contest constitutes permission for the Contest Entities to use contestant’s name, photograph, image, likeness, statement, testimonial, biographical information, voice, music, performance, prize information, personal exposition, city and state addresses, in all forms of media, including on the internet and in film, videotapes, photographs and/or recordings (and/or edited versions thereof) on a worldwide basis, in perpetuity, without further compensation or notification.

8. Taxes And Costs Related To The Prizes: All applicable taxes, including all federal, state, local and other taxes and any license, destination and delivery charges, fees, or costs, are the sole responsibility of each winner, or if the winner is a minor in his or her state of residence, the winner’s Guardian. All expenses and incidentals not specifically mentioned herein are not included and are solely the responsibility of each winner, or if the winner is a minor in his or her state of residence, the winner’s Guardian, including but not limited to, purchases, meals, beverages, airport transport, service fees, medical services, personal expenses, telephone calls, insurance, taxes, gratuities and other costs. Winners (or Winner’s Guardians, as applicable) may be issued a 1099 tax form for the approximate retail value of their prizes.

9. Rules/Winners’ List: To receive a Winners’ list or an additional copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Guitar Center’s Drum Off 2013, P.O. Box 5111 Thousand Oaks, CA. 91359-5111 on or before July 1, 2015. Please specify “Rules” or “Winners’ List”. You may also view the rules and Winners’ List on-line at www.guitarcenter.com.

13. Disputes And Damages Waiver: As a condition of entering, entrants (or their parent or legal guardian if an eligible minor) agree (and agree to confirm in writing): (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with this Contest, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and any judicial proceeding shall take place in a federal or state court within the State of California; (2) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, if any, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will contestant be permitted to obtain any award for, and contestant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, and consequential damages, and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of contestants, Prize Givers (as defined in Paragraph 12) and Sponsor in connection with this Contest shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction), that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of California.

14.Contest Conditions: This Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. By participating, contestants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor and Judges and waive any right to claim ambiguity in the Contest or these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to make changes or additions to these rules and/or change the dates of the Contest at any time.

15. Limitation Of Liability Of Sponsor And Prize Givers: As consideration for participation in the Contest, Contestants agree that Sponsor and Prize Givers and their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliated companies (collectively “Released Parties”) maintain no control over the personnel, equipment, or operation of any air, water or surface carrier, ship line, bus or limousine company, transportation company, hotel, restaurant, or other person or entity furnishing services, products, or accommodations supplied by others as a part of the Contest. They are merely, as applicable, Sponsor of the Contest and independent suppliers of certain Contest prizes and are not in any way related to the other suppliers. As consideration for participation in this Contest, Contestants agree that Released Parties shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or other irregularity that may be caused or contributed to (i) by any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other suppliers or any of their agents, servants, employees, or independent contractors (collectively, “Suppliers”); (ii) by any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, accessories, instrumentality, service, product, or accommodation that is owned, operated, furnished, or used by any of those Suppliers; (iii) by the wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other person or entity not employed by that Released Parties; or (iv) by any cause, condition, or event whatsoever beyond the control of that Released Party. As consideration for participation in the Contest, each contestant agrees to waive and to release and discharge each Released Party from and against any claims, damages or liability, even if caused by the negligence of the Released Party, for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity arising out of or relating to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in this Contest or in any Contest-related activity or from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any prize. All prizes are awarded “AS IS” and WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose).